Recycling codes stamped on some plastics may help identify unhealthy chemicals, but keep in mind, pioneer and leading BPA researcher, Dr Fred Vom Saal at Missouri University, asserts:
"We cannot state there is any safe plastic".
Worst Plastics
- Type 3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Products
- Shampoo bottles, food packaging, wire insulator, shower curtains, medical tubing and bags, vinyl upholstery, floor tiles, pipes, Reynolds Wrap and cling wrap for most grocery stores
- Can pass from packaging into food, water, or cosmetics
- Can be breathed in from curtains or pipes
- Shampoo bottles, food packaging, wire insulator, shower curtains, medical tubing and bags, vinyl upholstery, floor tiles, pipes, Reynolds Wrap and cling wrap for most grocery stores
- Contain Phthalates
- Phthalate give plastic its resilience and flexibility
- Considered most harmful plastic
- Products
- Type 6: Polystyrene
- One of the most widely used plastics
- Two forms of polystyrene: inflated and non-inflated
- Styrofoam®, a Dow Chemical Company trademarked product
- meat trays, egg cartons
- plastic utensils, some takeout containers, cups, bowls, plates
- plastic models, packaging for shipping.
- flame retardants
- May leak styrene, especially when heated
- Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
- Polystyrene is not biodegradable
- Type 7 Polycarbonate (PC), among other plastics
- Polycarbonates
- Reusable water bottles, dental sealants, inner lining of food cans
- Have been used in baby bottles and "sippy" cups for kids
- Can contain BPA which can leach into food and water
- Polycarbonates
Possibly Better Plastics
- Type 1: Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET or PETE)
- Disposable containers for most bottled water, soft drinks, and juice, mouthwash, ketchup, peanut butter, jelly, etc.
- Avoid reusing #1 bottles and jars because the plastic is porous
- containers absorb flavors and bacteria that can't be cleaned out
- Type 2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Cloudy or opaque plastic
- Milk, water, and juice jugs
- Bottles for shampoo and detergent
- Cereal-box liners
- Additives have not been tested
- Type 4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
- Cling wraps, food storage bags, garbage bags, and grocery bags
- Squeeze bottles
- Coatings for milk cartons and hot-beverage cups
- Burden to environment
- Type 5: Polypropylene (PP)
- Cloudy or opaque plastic
- Most Rubbermaid container, cloudy plastic baby bottles, deli soup containers
- Containers for yogurt, margarine, ketchup and syrup
- Additive have not been tested
- Bio-based Polymers (Biodegradable polyester)
- Derived from renewable resources, such as corn, potatoes, sugar cane.
- Can be composted in a municipal composter or in a backyard compost pile
- Healthiest and most eco-friendly choice.
Alternatives
- Food storage
- Parchment or waxed paper
- Glass and ceramic food storage containers
- On the go
- Paper plates, bowls, and cups made from sugar cane
- Bio-plastic utensils made from plant starch
- Stainless steel insulated storage container for hot foods
- Stainless steel water bottles or Ball brand canning jar with lid
References
Codes of Concern, Time Magazine (April 1, 2010)
Plastic Planet, Documentary (2009). time stamps 1:10:10 & 1:18:20
